U.S Attorney General Eric Holder on Monday said protecting Americans from home-grown extremist groups is one of his top priorities.

Holder spoke to U.S Justice Department employees Monday morning, telling them they have made America safer and stronger in just two years.

Holder also warned that the job is not done. He told the Justice Department employees that his current priorities include protecting Americans from violent crimes and financial fraud. He said he especially wants to protect children, the elderly and victims of hate crimes and human trafficking.

He also announced the formation of a Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force Working Group to focus specifically on fraud in the energy markets. The task force will monitor oil and gas markets for potential violations of criminal or civil laws to safeguard against unlawful consumer harm.

"Rapidly rising gasoline prices are pinching the pockets of consumers across the country," said Holder. "We will be vigilant in monitoring the oil and gas markets for any wrongdoing so that consumers can be confident they are not paying higher prices as a result of illegal activity."

If illegal conduct is responsible for increasing gas prices, state and federal authorities should take swift action," he added.

The attorney general travels to Hungary later this week with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, where they will attend an international forum focusing on cybercrime.